HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 2b - UUT Repeal Initiative Impact ReportStaff Report regarding Utility Users Tax Repeal Impact Analysis
October 6, 2015
Page 1 of 12
DATE:
October 6, 2015
TO:
Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM:
Dominic Lazzaretto, City Manager
SUBJECT:
ELECTIONS CODE 9212 REPORT RELATING TO THE UTILITY USERS
TAX REPEAL INITIATIVE MEASURE
Recommendation: Receive and file the report and order the
placement of the UUT repeal initiative measure on the April 12, 2016,
general municipal election ballot by adopting the following
Resolutions:
Resolution No. 7092 calling and giving notice of the holding of a
General Municipal election on Tuesday, April 12, 2016, for the
submission of a proposed ordinance repealing the Utility Users Tax in
its entirety.
Resolution No. 7093 requesting the Board of Supervisors of the
County of Los Angeles to render specified services to the City relating
to the conduct of a General Municipal election to be held on Tuesday,
April 12, 2016.
Resolution No. 7094 providing for the filing of rebuttal arguments for
City measures submitted at Municipal Elections.
Resolution No. 7095 setting priorities for filing written arguments
regarding a City measure and directing the City Attorney to prepare an
impartial analysis.
SUMMARY
On September 15, 2015, the City Council received, filed, and accepted the Certificate of
Sufficiency of Initiative Petition for a proposed Utility Users Tax (“UUT”) repeal initiative
measure. At the same meeting, the City Council directed staff to prepare a report,
within 30 days, on the impact of the measure. The purpose of this staff report is to
present a preliminary impact analysis of the UUT repeal measure on the City’s finances
and its ability to provide public services. It is recommended that the City Council
Staff Report regarding Utility Users Tax Repeal Impact Analysis
October 6, 2015
Page 2 of 12
receive and file the report and adopt the necessary resolutions to place the initiative on
the April 12, 2016, ballot.
BACKGROUND
UUTs are taxes levied by local governments on the consumption of utility services,
including electricity, gas, water, sewer, telecommunications, sanitation, and cable
television. Currently, there are 154 cities and 4 counties in the State of California that
have UUTs. The City of Arcadia collects UUTs on electricity, gas, and water at 7% of
gross sales and telecommunications at 5%. Over the years, the City has taken the
following actions related to the UUT:
On June 30, 1970, the City Council adopted a 5% UUT on the usage of water,
gas, electricity, and telephone utility services via Ordinance No. 1415.
On June 30, 1978, the City increased the maximum rate for each tax to 7% via
Ordinance No. 1645.
On May 15, 1979, the City suspended the water UUT (0% collected) via
Ordinance No. 1677.
On June 3, 1980, the City partially suspended the gas and electricity UUT to a
5% rate via Ordinance No. 1704.
On August 1, 1989, the City reduced the maximum rate for telephone UUT to 5%
via Ordinance No. 1909.
On November 5, 1996, California voters passed Proposition 218, requiring voter
approval for the introduction or increase of taxes, assessments, and certain
property-related fees.
On June 9, 2009, Arcadia residents approved Measure A updating the City’s
UUT Ordinance to address modern telephone/telecommunications services, with
76.5% of voters supporting the Measure. The Measure ratified the maximum
UUT rate of 7% on gas, water, and electric rates and 5% on telecommunications
and authorized the City Council to adjust the rate as part of the annual budgeting
process without voter approval, provided the rate does not exceed the voter-
approved maximums.
On July 2, 2013, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 2311 reinstating the
UUT rate for water and returning the UUT on gas and electricity at the originally
approved rate of 7% in order to meet the City’s future capital improvement and
equipment replacement needs. The UUT rate for telephone/telecommunications
remains at 5%.
Staff Report regarding Utility Users Tax Repeal Impact Analysis
October 6, 2015
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An average Arcadia resident pays less than $10.00 per month on all UUTs combined.
Commercial businesses tend to have heavier utility consumption and pay more.
Collectively, the UUTs are the third largest revenue source for the City, generating $7
million dollars in City revenues each year, paying for many important services that the
City provides to its businesses and residents on a daily basis.
On April 14, 2015, the City received a Notice of Intent to Circulate a Petition and a
proposed initiative measure (“Measure”) from Arcadia residents that would amend the
City’s Municipal Code by repealing the UUT in its entirety (for all utilities currently taxed,
including telecommunications, electricity, gas, and water).
On April 23, 2015, in accordance with the Elections Code, the City Attorney’s office
prepared and sent a ballot title and summary of the Measure to the proponents. The
proponents then had six months to gather enough signatures to qualify the Measure for
the ballot.
On August 5, 2015, the proponents submitted a signed petition to the City Clerk’s
Office. Under Proposition 218, a total of 460 signatures were required to qualify the
Measure for the ballot.
On August 28, 2015, the City Clerk’s office, with the assistance of the Los Angeles
County Registrar/Recorder’s office, verified that the petition contained 558 valid
signatures, qualifying the Measure for the ballot.
On September 15, 2015, the City Council received, filed, and accepted the Certificate of
Sufficiency of Initiative Petition for the Measure from the Chief Deputy City
Clerk/Records Manager. Under the Elections Code, the City Council was presented
with the following options:
a. Adopt the Measure as an ordinance, without alteration;
b. Submit the Measure to the voters at the next regular municipal election. A
“regular election” is one where Council Members are elected. That would be
April 12, 2016;
c. Submit the Measure to the voters at a special election between 88 and 103 days
after the City Council calls the election (between December 12 and December
27, 2015);
d. Direct staff to prepare an impartial and informational report analyzing the impact
of the Measure on the City’s finances, ability to provide public services, and the
like. Staff must present the report not later than 30 days after it is ordered by the
City Council (October 15, 2015).
Staff Report regarding Utility Users Tax Repeal Impact Analysis
October 6, 2015
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The City Council opted for the final option and directed staff to return with the report at
the October 6, 2015, City Council Meeting.
DISCUSSION
In the City of Arcadia’s adopted Fiscal Year 2015-16 budget, $7.0 million in UUT
revenues are anticipated, which represents approximately 12.5% of the City’s overall
General Fund revenues, excluding transfers in from other City funds. UUTs are the
third largest revenue source for the City, after property taxes (21.8%) and sales taxes
(21.2%).
General Fund Revenue by Source
FY 2015-16
Revenue Other
Charges for Services
Agency
Hotel Taxes
5.2%
10.5%
6.0%
Use of Money &
License & Permits
Property
9.8%
2.4%
Franchises
2.1%
UUTs
Recreation
12.5%
Property
1.9%
Transfer
1.0%
Fines & Penalties
1.1%
Public Safety
Augmentation Fund
0.9%
Other Revenue
3.5%
Sales Taxes
21.2%
Library
Property Taxes
0.1%
21.8%
If the UUT were eliminated, there would be significant impacts on the City’s ability to
provide services and programs at the levels currently experienced by residents and
businesses. While in previous years it may have been possible to cut spending without
impacting service levels, many of those alternatives are not available at this time. In
Staff Report regarding Utility Users Tax Repeal Impact Analysis
October 6, 2015
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order to balance the City’s budget during the recent global economic crisis, extra
positions were removed from the organization, comprehensive pension reforms were
implemented, vendor contracts were renegotiated, and supplies and services, overtime,
and training budgets were reduced to a minimum. In addition, in the short-term, cities
can extend maintenance cycles or defer purchases to future years – something the City
did prior to 2013. The Measure, if approved, would be permanent. Therefore, only
permanent spending reductions can be contemplated.
The following sections provide an overall summary of potential impacts if the Measure
were approved. The first scenario looks at an across-the-board 12.5% reduction for
each department. The second scenario looks at what a more prioritized list of cuts
would require. It should be noted in both instances that this is a very preliminary
analysis of potential cuts to respond to a permanent and immediate 12.5% loss in
revenues. Actual service cuts would require far more planning and coordination with
the community, City Council, labor associations, and City contractors to determine the
best path forward. However, it should be noted that the overall impacts would be similar
in magnitude.
Scenario One: Reduce Every Department By 12.5%
A 12.5% loss in revenue for each department would create impacts to service levels
throughout the City. Public safety and other municipal services would be reduced
significantly and social and recreational programs would be cut. Municipalities are
service-based organizations, meaning that most of the operating costs are personnel-
related. As such, the customer service level to which Arcadians are accustomed will be
impacted, from a longer line to pay a water bill to a significantly slower turnaround for a
architectural plan check to longer police and fire response times.
The following table summarizes impacts based on an across-the-board 12.5% reduction
for each department’s General Fund activities. It is worth noting that the table only
highlights selected items on the budget reduction list. For a complete picture of all the
public services and programs that would be affected should the Measure be adopted,
please refer to the individual City department’s budget reduction lists attached as
Appendix “A” to this report.
Staff Report regarding Utility Users Tax Repeal Impact Analysis
October 6, 2015
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Department Impact to the Community Positions
†
Affected
Police Less police patrol would have an adverse impact on 29
the community; slower response time; less proactive
enforcement; elimination of Neighborhood Watch and
other community outreach efforts
Fire Elimination of Fire Station 107, significantly slower 24
response times for fire, emergency medical services,
and other emergency calls, especially in the northern
portion of the City
Development Elimination of the economic development program and 4
Services
all funding for the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce;
significant reductions in code enforcement; significant
delays for new construction inspections, plan checks,
project approvals, and design reviews
Public Works Reduced street sweeping from weekly to every other 3
Services
week; City trees trimmed less frequently; less
preventative maintenance on sidewalks and roadways;
potential for increased fallen tree limbs and trip and fall
hazards
Library & City Library hours reduced by 1/3 (equal to 2 days); 11
Museum
Museum closed every Tuesday; longer wait times;
Services
fewer materials; and fewer programs for residents and
patrons
Administrative Delays in customer service and prolonged wait time at 3
Services
the cashier; and significant impacts to internal services
Recreation and Elimination of school-aged children programs such as 52
Community
elementary playground programs, middle school
Services
intramural leagues, and all City track meets; significant
reduction in senior citizen services and programs;
elimination of family special events such as Concerts &
Movies in the Park, Snow Fest, Community Bike Ride,
Halloween Happenings, and Easter Egg Hunt
City Manager Elimination of Arcadia Beautiful and Holiday Decoration 2
Awards, Mayor’s Community Breakfast, and City
Newsletter; slower response time to residents and City
officials
Staff Report regarding Utility Users Tax Repeal Impact Analysis
October 6, 2015
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General City & Reduced graffiti control around the City; reduced 1
Special
communication with residents; elimination of Senior
Programs
Citizens and Arcadia Beautiful Commissions;
elimination of all activities relating to promoting
employee morale
Total City Employee Positions Affected: 129
†
Includes layoffs, demotions, reclassifications, reduction in hours for full- and part-time positions
Impact to City Personnel
In 2015-16, employee costs account for 75.5% of the City’s General Fund expenditures.
To achieve a 12.5% cut in the City’s operating budget, 129 City positions would be
impacted in the form of layoffs, demotions, changes in work status from full-time to part-
time, and reduced work hours for hourly workers.
For example, in order to reduce the Police Department’s budget by approximately $2.5
million, the Department would have to cut its personnel budget by 22%, which includes
18 full-time positions (12 sworn and 6 civilian) and its Police Cadet Training Program
comprised of nine part-time positions. The 12 sworn officer positions include eight
current Police Officers, three current Law Enforcement Recruits (LERs), and one Police
Officer vacancy. The eight police officers have been employed with the City anywhere
from one to six years and two of them are laterals from other agencies with over 10
years of law enforcement experience.
Similar impacts would be felt in each department, where the loss of positions would
affect everything from entry-level positions to career professionals, supervisors, and
high-level managers. It should also be noted that there would be significant impacts on
those employees remaining as workloads would increase over levels already stretched
thin due to cuts endured since the last recession. Employee turnover would likely
increase and overall morale would decrease significantly.
Scenario Two: Prioritized Reductions
Another approach to reduce the City’s expenditures by $7.0 million is to prioritize
reductions based on overall community values. Certain departments, programs, and
positions would be given higher priority than others, meaning some departments would
experience impacts greater than others. Regardless of what option is chosen, it is a
certainty that losing $7.0 million in UUT revenues would translate into a significantly
reduced level of customer service and public programs.
Staff Report regarding Utility Users Tax Repeal Impact Analysis
October 6, 2015
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With the 30-day timeframe available, the outreach needed to accurately ascertain
precise community values for prioritization is impossible. Based on what is generally
accepted as the community’s highest priority – public safety – and the fact that several
functions are legally mandated (City Clerk, Treasurer, and Building Official, for
instance), it is possible to illustrate how significant the impacts would be on those
departments that fall outside of this group. The graph below identifies the General Fund
expenditures by department for FY 2015-16.
General Fund Expenditures
by Department, FY 2015-16
Public Works
7%
Development
Library & Museum
Services
7%
Administrative
8%
Recreation
Services
5%
5%
General City
2%
Fire
25%
City Manager
2%
City Clerk
1%
City Attorney
1%
Police
37%
Suppose that the community wished to achieve a 12.5% cut that would avoid any
impacts to police and fire and still maintain all legally required functions. To use an
extreme example, eliminating the entire Recreation & Community Services Department
and the entire Library & Museum Services Department would achieve a $6.48 million
General Fund savings, a figure that would largely close the deficit due to loss of the
UUT without affecting public safety, Public Works, Development Services or
Administrative Services.
Staff Report regarding Utility Users Tax Repeal Impact Analysis
October 6, 2015
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The Library and Museum hosts nearly 500,000 patrons each year, providing free and
equal access to materials for all ages that support the reading interests of a diverse
community (including services for the homebound and those with special needs);
offering group and individual literacy programs for all ages, such as conversational
English classes for residents with limited English; hosting quality story times and
educational programming that develop childhood literacy; serving as a community
gathering space for educational, informational, historical, and cultural programs; and
building and preserving Arcadia historical documents and artifacts. The Recreation and
Community Services Department helps create a healthy community through diverse and
innovative programming. While the community is home to approximately 56,500
residents, there are over 833,000 individual visits each year to the Community Center,
Dana Gym, five City parks, and 11 Arcadia Unified School District facilities where
Recreation activities take place. On the aggregate, there are: 500,800 uses of youth
programs including drop-in playgrounds, day camps, and after school programs; 21,250
adult uses of recreation classes such as yoga, golf, and photography; 127,000 senior
citizen uses of programs such as low-cost lunches, seminars, and the health EXPO;
and 19,500 participants for City-sponsored special events, such as Concerts and
Movies in the Park, Snow Fest, and Community Bike Ride.
If the Library, Museum and all Recreation opportunities were eliminated, 111 full- and
part-time employees would be eliminated The Library, Museum, Museum Education
Center, Community Center, Wilderness Park Nature Center, and 14 City Parks would
be closed permanently, and the community would no longer have guaranteed access to
fields and facilities at local school sites after hours.
Even with all those impacts, the elimination of these programs would not achieve $7.0
million in savings. An additional $520,000 would still need to be cut from other
departments or services in order to completely offset the loss of the UUT.
Additional Revenue Considerations
In the example above, the entire Recreation & Community Services Department would
be eliminated. If this were to occur, the more than $1 million in revenue generated from
its activities would also be lost, meaning that additional cuts would be necessary
beyond the $7.0 million lost through the UUT.
Similar impacts would occur based on various options that are selected. For instance,
the entire Development Services Department expenditure budget is $4,461,100.
However, the revenue generated from the Department for services provided, such as
plan checks and building permits, totals over $4.6 million – a 103.8% cost recovery that
would be lost if the services were eliminated. Note that this cost recovery rate does not
represent a profit for the Development Services Department. The additional funding
helps to offset internal service costs not included in these expenditures, such as City
attorney work, accounting, and computer support costs required to run the Department.
Staff Report regarding Utility Users Tax Repeal Impact Analysis
October 6, 2015
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While Development Services and Recreation & Community Services have the largest
cost recovery percentages, most functions in the City have some associated revenue.
Any program or service cuts would need to be cognizant of the potential additional
revenue losses that could occur. The same would be true for grants and other non-
General Fund revenues that could be impacted if staffing and service levels did not
meet minimum requirements.
Options for Calling an Election
Now that Staff has presented this impartial and informational report, the City Council
has three remaining options under the Elections Code:
a. Adopt the Measure as an ordinance, without alteration;
b. Submit the Measure to the voters at the next regular municipal election. A
“regular election” is one where Council Members are elected. That would be
April 12, 2016;
c. Submit the Measure to the voters at a special election between 88 and 103 days
after the City Council calls the election (between January 2 and January 17,
2016).
It would not be recommended for the City Council to adopt the Measure as submitted.
As shown above, it would have a significant impact on City services. More importantly,
the UUT was approved by the voters in 1996 and again in 2009 in accordance with
Proposition 218. Any future modification to the tax should also be made by the voters.
Calling a special election would cost the City approximately $115,000 which is not a
budgeted expense. Further, the timing of a special election would be awkward,
occurring right in the middle of the Holiday Season.
Putting the measure on the City’s next general election on April 12, 2016, would not
incur significant additional expenses since it is already budgeted for the City Council
election. Costs would be on the order of $5,000 for additional printing and translation
services, making it the least expensive alternative. Further, the timing would allow
Arcadia residents the opportunity to be fully educated on the matter before being asked
to vote on the Measure.
Therefore, it would be recommended that the City Council place the Measure on the
April 12, 2016, general municipal election (Option “B”).
If the City Council wishes to submit the Measure to the voters at the upcoming general
election on April 12, 2016, the following resolutions, which are attached to this staff
report, will need to be adopted at this meeting in order to meet State Elections Code:
Staff Report regarding Utility Users Tax Repeal Impact Analysis
October 6, 2015
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Resolution No. 7092 calling and giving notice of the holding of a
General Municipal election on Tuesday, April 12, 2016, for the
submission of a proposed ordinance repealing the Utility Users Tax in
its entirety.
Resolution No. 7093 requesting the Board of Supervisors of the
County of Los Angeles to render specified services to the City relating
to the conduct of a General Municipal election to be held on Tuesday,
April 12, 2016.
Resolution No. 7094 providing for the filing of rebuttal arguments for
City measures submitted at Municipal Elections.
Resolution No. 7095 setting priorities for filing written arguments
regarding a City measure and directing the City Attorney to prepare an
impartial analysis.
FISCAL IMPACT
If approved by the voters, the UUT repeal initiative measure would have a $7.0 million
impact annually to the City’s General Fund, which is approximately 12.5% of the City’s
overall operating revenue. To offset the loss, the City would have to reduce services
and programs significantly to maintain a structurally balanced budget.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council receive and file this report and order the
placement of the UUT repeal initiative measure on the April 12, 2016, general municipal
election ballot; by adopting the following Resolutions:
Resolution No. 7092 calling and giving notice of the holding of a
General Municipal election on Tuesday, April 12, 2016, for the
submission of a proposed ordinance repealing the Utility Users Tax in
its entirety.
Resolution No. 7093 requesting the Board of Supervisors of the
County of Los Angeles to render specified services to the City relating
to the conduct of a General Municipal election to be held on Tuesday,
April 12, 2016.
Resolution No. 7094 providing for the filing of rebuttal arguments for
City measures submitted at Municipal Elections.
Staff Report regarding Utility Users Tax Repeal Impact Analysis
October 6, 2015
Page 12 of 12
Resolution No. 7095 setting priorities for filing written arguments
regarding a City measure and directing the City Attorney to prepare an
impartial analysis.
APPENDIX A
DEPARTMENTAL DETAIL OF
POTENTIAL UUT REPEAL IMPACTS
The following pages specifically identify the potential reductions that would occur if each
department experienced a 12.5% reduction in its General Fund Budget. The
departments are organized according to their total General Fund expenditures in
descending order. Each City department presents a budget reduction list along with the
corresponding service and personnel impacts.
While every effort has been made to cut each department by exactly 12.5%, there is
some variation based on the cost of actual positions and programs being modified or
eliminated. Some departments show slightly more than the 12.5% while others show
slightly less; however, the total impacts shown for all departments total roughly
$7,000,000 – the value of the Utility Users Tax. Specifically, there are $6,966,342 in
cuts shown.
Departmental Detail of Potential UUT Repeal Impacts
October 6, 2015
Page 2 of 18
Department: Police
FY 2015-16 Approved Operating Budget: $19,981,300
12.5% Reduction $ 2,497,663
Synopsis
: The Police Department would have to cut a total of 29 positions, including 12
sworn Police Officers, three Community Services Officers, three Records Technicians,
nine part-time Cadets from the Police Cadet Training Program, and two part-time
contract positions, which are the Media Communications Specialist and Community
Affairs Liaison. Externally, this would result in reduced police patrols, longer police
response times, and less community outreach and education. Internally, this proposal
would impact employee morale and affect the health and succession planning of the
organization in the long run.
Item Description Savings Impact
1 Eliminate 12 Police $1,714,033 REDUCED POLICE PATROL: Less patrol through neighborhoods;
Officers
prolonged response time; and reassign Detectives to patrol
operations, which would reduce ability to investigate crimes.
2 Eliminate 3 Community $264,338 REDUCED SUPPORT STAFF AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH:
Services Officers
Eliminate support staff in Investigations, Community Affairs, and
Personnel & Training; eliminate assistance with court document
processing and subpoena control; no court liaison; eliminate crime
prevention and community outreach efforts; eliminate Coffee With A
Cop and Neighborhood Watch Program; and eliminate assistance
with police human resources including recruitment and professional
development.
3 Eliminate 3 Records $186,738 REDUCED CUSTOMER SERVICE: Eliminate support staff in the
Technicians
areas of records requests and report processing; reduced hours/
days of operation; longer wait times; and inability to maintain current
customer service level.
4 Eliminate Police Cadet $147,817 NO EARLY LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING AND REDUCED
Training Program
SUPPORT STAFF: Omit career opportunities within agency; reduce
administrative support by 4 currently employed Cadets; forgo
support of 5 Cadets that are in the process of being filled; limited
fingerprinting services; and longer wait times at service counter.
5 Eliminate Media $30,000 NO MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS: Eliminate department social
Communications
media, instant communication, and community engagement
Specialist (part-time
strategies and platforms through applications including Facebook,
contract position)
Twitter, Instagram, Weibo, and department blog page amongst
others.
Departmental Detail of Potential UUT Repeal Impacts
October 6, 2015
Page 3 of 18
6 Eliminate Community $40,000 REDUCED COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Eliminate Police
Relations Liaison (part-
Department's Community Affairs Office which proactively engages
time contract position)
community and service organizations through Neighborhood Watch
and Business Watch; less home and business security checks; and
less outreach programs such as Coffee With A Cop.
7 Reduce Officers Supplies $14,500 Subsequent expenditure cut related to previous proposed cuts.
and Ammunition
8 Reduce Officer Safety $2,120 Subsequent expenditure cut related to previous proposed cuts.
Equipment Allowance
9 Reduce Sworn Officer $8,710 Subsequent expenditure cut related to previous proposed cuts.
Uniforms
10 Reduce Civilian Uniforms $1,847 Subsequent expenditure cut related to previous proposed cuts.
11 Eliminate Neighborhood $12,000 REDUCED COMMUNITY OUTREACH: No staff to conduct
Watch Program
community affairs related activities, projects, and events; no
Neighborhood Watch training sessions and meetings; no business
safety awareness trainings; no home safety inspections; and no
residential burglary follow up.
12 Reduce Department wide $5,000 REDUCED TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:
Training and Professional
Less funds for professional memberships, mandated trainings, and
Memberships
professional development related to perishable skills and best
practices.
13 Eliminate Law $6,400 REDUCED LAW ENFORCEMENT CAREER OPPORTUNITIES:
Enforcement Recruit
forgo opportunities to train future Arcadia police officers; and forgo
Police Academy
workforce planning and development.
14 Eliminate Law $2,600 Subsequent expenditure cut related to previous proposed cuts.
Enforcement Recruit
Ammunition
15 Reduce Racetrack Control $15,160 REDUCED PATROL: Less patrol operations at Race Track; less
Overtime
traffic control; increased risk of criminal activity and public
intoxication; and prolonged response times.
16 Reduce Patrol Overtime $43,200 REDUCED PATROL AND DIRECTED ENFORCEMENT: less police
officer presence and prolonged response times and reduced
opportunities for directed enforcement to target emerging issues
such as home robberies and vehicle theft rings.
17 Reduce Tuition $3,200 Subsequent expenditure cut related to previous proposed cuts.
Reimbursement
Total Proposed Reduction
$2,497,663
Departmental Detail of Potential UUT Repeal Impacts
October 6, 2015
Page 4 of 18
Department: Fire
FY 2015-16 Approved Operating Budget: $13,676,900
12.5% Reduction $ 1,709,613
Synopsis
: The Deputy Fire Chief position would be eliminated and one of the three fire
stations in the City, Fire Station 107, located at 79 W. Orange Grove Blvd., would be
closed. Paramedic Assessment Engine 107, housed at Station 107, provides fire,
medical, and other emergency incident coverage to residents who live in the northern
portion of Arcadia (north of Colorado). If Fire Station 107 and Engine 107 were
eliminated, when north Arcadia residents call 9-1-1 for a fire or medical emergency,
there would be a significantly longer response time as fire resources would have to
respond from the other two fire stations, which are located farther away. In addition, it
would be more likely to increase response times throughout the City as only two crews
would be available to respond to the entire City instead of the current three. Finally, the
two reduction items below would result in a total of 10 layoffs and 10 demotions in a
department with 58 personnel, creating a significant impact on the Fire Department’s
operations, succession planning, and employee morale.
Item Description Savings Impact
1 Shut Down $1,449,503 LONGER FIRE & EMS RESPONSE TIMES: Significant increase in
Fire Station 107
response time for fire, emergency medical services (EMS), and other
emergency incidents; units would respond from Fire Stations 105 and
106, which are located in the more southern parts of the City;
eliminate Paramedic Assessment Engine 107 as a first responder
unit, which provides fire and EMS coverage for residents living in
north Arcadia. Entire City affected when multiple calls for service
occur at the same time. A total of 9 positions including 3 Fire
Captains, 3 Fire Engineers, and 3 Fire Paramedics would be laid off;
will create a domino effect on the rest of the Department and
resulting in 6 additional demotions among all ranks.
2 Eliminate Deputy $275,148 REDUCED OVERALL DEPARTMENT OPERATIONS: Loss of the
Fire Chief Position
only position on the Fire Department’s administrative staff who has
fire and emergency operational capacity besides the Fire Chief; will
significantly impact fire and EMS operations, staffing, personnel
matters, grant management, budget preparation, fire
communications, and other operational duties; Fire Chief will have to
take a more hands-on role operationally, reducing capacity to
maintain a global perspective of the Fire Department and the City;
Deputy Fire Chief’s areas of responsibility will have to be partially
absorbed by other command staff members, leading to extra
workload and overtime; impact Fire Department’s succession
planning. Eliminate 1 position, creating a domino effect on the rest of
the Department and resulting in 4 additional demotions.
Total Proposed Reduction $1,724,651
Departmental Detail of Potential UUT Repeal Impacts
October 6, 2015
Page 5 of 18
Department: Development Services
FY 2015-16 Approved Operating Budget: $4,606,600
12.5% Reduction $ 575,825
Synopsis
: Four positions would be eliminated (Economic Development Analyst, Code
Services Officer, Building Inspector, Planner), and the City would no longer provide
funding for the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce. The City’s entire Economic
Development Program would be eliminated, the Chamber of Commerce may no longer
be viable; and efforts to recruit, promote, and support new businesses in the City may
cease. There would be substantial customer service delays in planning and building-
related activities, and code enforcement efforts would be hindered. No traffic study or
evaluation could take place in reaction to safety concerns or changed circumstances on
roadways.
Item Description Savings Impact
1 Eliminate funding $72,000 REDUCED VIABILITY OF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: Chamber of
for the Arcadia
Commerce would likely lose staffing and may need to stop programs
Chamber of
designed to assist the business community in Arcadia. This would
Commerce
directly lead to the reduction and possible elimination of the promotion
of Arcadia businesses.
2 Eliminate Economic $226,500 ELIMINATE PROGRAMS AND STAFFING SERVICES FOR
Development
BUSINESS ASSISTANCE, SUPPORT FOR NEW BUSINESSES,
Program
AND BUSINESS PROMOTIONAL EFFORTS. This would greatly
impact customer service and create a difficult climate for businesses.
This action would eliminate funding for special events and citywide
promotional efforts, including Breeders’ Cup, banners, and the like. It
would also eliminate marketing efforts and all funding for “Shop
Arcadia” program, holiday decorations in Downtown Arcadia, and
beautification efforts for business areas in Arcadia. It would also
discontinue assistance to the Downtown Arcadia Improvement
Association.
3 Eliminate Code $80,115 LESS PROACTIVE CODE ENFORCEMENT. The loss of this position
Services Officer
will remove the possibility of Code staff being proactive in dealing with
Position
Municipal Code violations. The Code staff will have to react to
complaints. This will be especially true in commercial areas, where
property violations, illegal businesses, and visual blight will result from
a lack of attention. In residential areas, problems like property
maintenance, landscaping problems, and neighbor disputes will not be
addressed as expediently.
4 Eliminate Building $94,432 LENGTHENED CONSTRUCTION TIMES: The loss of a Building
Inspector Position
Inspector position would slow down the processing of projects and
inspections. It would also elongate the time of construction projects.
This could greatly impact those neighborhoods where a number of
projects are in process at any one time.
Departmental Detail of Potential UUT Repeal Impacts
October 6, 2015
Page 6 of 18
5 Eliminate Planner $96,297 LONGER PERMIT PROCESSING TIMES WITH LOWER QUALITY
Position
OUTCOMES: Planners are responsible for design review, processing
planning cases, assisting residents with projects, and general
customer service. The loss of this position would significantly elongate
processing times and remove the Department’s ability to react to
customer questions and requests. With fewer personnel, the staff
would have less time for each review, which would result in diminished
outcomes. Service levels would drop off considerably. Planners are
also responsible for plan checking, site inspections, and final building
approvals for specific projects. Similar to the loss of the Building
Inspector position, the loss of a Planning position would elongate the
time of construction projects.
6 Eliminate Contract $45,000 NO PROACTIVE TRAFFIC AND ENGINEERING STUDIES: City
Services for Traffic
funding for traffic studies and traffic safety analysis would be
Studies, Traffic
eliminated. Each year, intersections, crosswalks, and traffic conditions
Engineering, Long
are reviewed in different areas for safety and potential improvements.
Range Planning.
Without this funding, the City cannot react to safety concerns or
congested conditions, cannot perform speed limit studies or react to
citizen complaints regarding needed street improvements or
upgrades.
Total Proposed Reduction $614,344
Departmental Detail of Potential UUT Repeal Impacts
October 6, 2015
Page 7 of 18
Department: Public Works Services
FY 2015-16 Approved Operating Budget: $3,923,700
12.5% Reduction $ 490,463
Synopsis
: Three positions would be eliminated and several services to the community
would be significantly impacted. City trees would be trimmed less frequently. City
streets, currently swept once a week, would be swept every other week. The amount of
sidewalk grinding and asphalt repairs completed annually would decrease.
Item Description Savings Impact
1 Cut Tree $135,000 DECREASE OF 1,900 TREES TRIMMED EACH YEAR. This can
Trimming
affect public safety by increasing threats of falling limbs and limbs
Contract In Half
impeding large vehicle traffic and pedestrian paths of travel; it would
delay response time from Streets Crew on routine daily
maintenance tasks due to handling of additional work and problems
associated with decreased tree maintenance; would reduce the
aesthetics of the community; and may require additional overtime to
meet minimum safety standards.
2 Reduce Street $171,830 ELIMINATE ONE (1) EQUIPMENT OPERATOR POSITION AND
Sweeping from
ONE (1) STREET SWEEPER VEHICLE. Accumulates more trash,
Weekly to Bi-
debris, and pollutants in the streets and storm drain system; affects
Weekly Service
the City’s environmental stewardship; dirtier streets impact
customers and visitors doing business with the City. Weekly street
sweeping helps the City with its trash compliance, as violations for
noncompliance can be up to $37,000 per day.
3 Reduce Asphalt $88,979 ELIMINATE ONE (1) MAINTENANCE WORKER POSITION, AND
Repair and
REDUCES ASPHALT REPAIR AND SIDEWALK GRINDING
Sidewalk
MATERIAL: increases number of uneven sidewalks and damaged
Grinding Program
vehicles from pot holes and cracked streets; the amount of asphalt
repairs and sidewalk grinding completed annually would be
reduced; and uneven walking paths, cracked streets, and pot holes
would not be repaired, leading to increased claims against the City.
4 Eliminate a Public $109,830 ELIMINATE ONE (1) PUBLIC WORKS INSPECTOR: This position
Works Inspector
provides sewer and street capital project inspection services; it
would reduce quality control, safety, and compliance of plans and
specifications. Eliminating a Public Works Inspector can cause a
delay in State and Federal reporting and jeopardize funding.
Total Proposed Reduction $505,639
Departmental Detail of Potential UUT Repeal Impacts
October 6, 2015
Page 8 of 18
Department: Library and Museum
Services
FY 2015-16 Approved Operating Budget: $3,517,600
12.5% Reduction $ 439,700
Synopsis
: The Department can cut 12.5% of its budget by reducing the hours of
operations for the City Library by one-third; closing the Museum every Tuesday;
significantly reducing the budget for procuring materials; reducing the Library and
Museum programming for all ages; and eliminating eight staff positions as well as
reducing the hours of two additional employees. The impact will be felt by patrons in
the forms of longer wait lines, fewer programs, services, and materials for all ages, and
reduced access to Arcadia’s historical information.
Item Description Savings Impact
1 Close Library for 20 $352,348 REDUCE SERVICE HOURS AT LIBRARY: Reduce Library service
hours per week
hours from 60 hrs/wk to 40 hrs/wk, resulting in significantly reduced
service to Library patrons of all ages. This equates to approximately 2
full days of closures.
ELIMINATE 8 LIBRARY STAFF POSITIONS: Eliminate 2 FT
positions, 3 PT positions, and 3 hourly positions, resulting in longer
wait times at public desks for assistance; public access to technology
help reduced; programming and services reduced at all levels and for
all age groups; potential closure of public desks; elimination of
interlibrary loan services; materials would take longer to reach
shelves; loss of cataloging and processing support for new materials
would require many of these operations to be largely outsourced; as a
result, standards for cataloging and processing would have to be
lowered; off-desk activities would take longer; library material more
difficult to locate; eliminate Teen Zone on most days, resulting in loss
of space for high school students to study and work on group projects;
reduced support for community projects and activities; reduced staff
morale.
REDUCED CUSTOMER SERVICE AND ASSISTANCE: Loss of staff
would lead to reduced service on all levels and for all age groups.
2 Close Museum $42,500 REDUCE MUSEUM HOURS, REDUCE STAFF HOURS: Reduce FT
every Tuesday
Curator to .75; reduce .75 Education Coordinator to .5, resulting in
fewer school and scout visits; fewer educational and cultural
programs; fewer exhibits; reduced access to Arcadia historical
information and resources; less ability to use new Museum Education
Center.
Departmental Detail of Potential UUT Repeal Impacts
October 6, 2015
Page 9 of 18
3 Reduce Library and $45,127 LONGER WAIT TIMES FOR MATERIALS: Best sellers, popular
Museum Materials
fiction, AV, eBooks, and timely information materials would be less
and supplies
available and have longer wait times.
FEWER MATERIALS FOR ALL AGES: fewer materials for all age
groups; less availability of information from home 24/7 due to loss of
eResources; fewer magazines and newspapers; reduced curriculum
support materials for school age children; reduced ability to support
the Library’s mission to support educational, and recreational reading
needs and interests of the community.
FEWER SUPPLIES FOR SUPPORT SERVICES: availability of
processing, office, and professional supplies reduced, resulting in
reduced quality and/or elimination of services; preservation of
historical materials compromised.
4 Reduce Library & $3,600 FEWER PROGRAMS FOR ALL AGES: weekly and monthly
Museum
storytimes reduced; elimination of class visits for preschool and school
Programming for all
age children; eliminate English Conversation Class, book discussion
Ages
groups, computer classes and special programming for adults; teen
and middle school programming reduced; reduced scout
programming, school tours and historical programs at Museum;
reduced outreach to the community; reduced ability to support
community functions; limited promotion of library and museum
programs and services
Total Proposed Reduction $443,575
Departmental Detail of Potential UUT Repeal Impacts
October 6, 2015
Page 10 of 18
Department: Administrative Services
FY 2015-16 Approved Operating Budget: $2,837,000
12.5% Reduction $ 354,625
Synopsis
: Three positions would be affected (Accounting Technician, Office Assistant,
Human Resources Analyst), and several professional services contracts would be cut.
Item Description Savings Impact
FINANCIAL SERVICES AND TREASURY:
1 Eliminate 1.5 $98,000 CUSTOMER SERVICES STANDARDS FOR PARKING CITATION
Accounting
WILL BE AFFECTED: All inquiries and payments will be directed to
Technicians By
the vendor as ASD would retain only general citation data.
Outsourcing
Parking Citation
INTERNAL SERVICE COST ALLOCATION WOULD NOT REFLECT
Function And
THE TRUE COST OF OPERATIONS: This position is tasked to
Changing The Cost
accumulate data for various citywide general uses and inventories by
Allocation Method
departments such as: fuel, warehouse, phone, utility, postage, and
For Internal Service
garage services related expenses. The elimination of this position
Billing
would require that a new method be used to simplify the allocation for
calculating those charges based on estimated and proration basis. As
this would be based on estimates, the measure would not reflect the
true costs. This may not comply with audit findings for various grants
that require all allocated costs to be based on “actuals” calculations.
2 Eliminate $41,000 LOWER INVESTMENT EARNINGS ON THE CITY’S INVESTMENT
Investment
PORTFOLIO: City Treasurer does not have the resources of the
Advisory Services
investment consultant for methodical analysis and research on
instruments with which the City may invest funds, which will likely
result in lower returns and potentially an increase in risk.
3 Eliminate $12,200 REDUCED CUSTOMER SERVICES AT THE CASHIER: Delays and
Temporary Help
longer waiting time for customers, especially during
Budget For The
December/January when most of the annual parking permits are
Cashier And
renewed. Staffing level will not be able to provide extended coverage
Financial Services
when someone is out for extended leaves.
4 Eliminate Costs For $4,000 LACK OF UPDATED INFORMATION: Staff would not receive updated
Training And
training on payroll and financial systems, which could result in
Employee Support
mistakes on financial reporting.
HUMAN RESOURCES:
5 Eliminate Part-Time $22,000 REDUCED HUMAN RESOURCES FUNCTIONS: The Human
Office Assistant
Resources Division will no longer be able to provide counter services
Position
to other departmental staff or the public; reduced clerical support; and
longer application processing times.
6 Reclassify Human $44,620 REDUCED HUMAN RESOURCES SERVICES: Reduced recruitment
Resources Analyst
and retention efforts, including Fire and Police personnel; also will
To Half Time
reduce administrative and clerical support relating to the self-insured
Workers’ Compensation program of the City.
Departmental Detail of Potential UUT Repeal Impacts
October 6, 2015
Page 11 of 18
7 Eliminate $15,000 ELIMINATE NEW ERGONOMIC PROGRAM: Results in higher
Ergonomic
repetitive use injuries.
Equipment Program
8 Eliminate Wellness $20,000 ELIMINATE NEW WELLNESS PROGRAM: results in increased
Program
incidence of employee injuries and serious preventable diseases;
increased cost of injuries and workers compensation claims.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY:
9 Cut To Maintenance $11,600 REDUCED IT SERVICES: These funds provide for unanticipated
And Supplies
technical support for software/hardware, data & fiber, and cable issues
Budgets
that arise at irregular intervals; reduced budget for replacement of
miscellaneous software/hardware units that breakdown during the
year.
10 Reduction Of $85,000 DECREASED EMPLOYEE PRODUCTIVITY: This cut to IT is
Information
approximately 27% of the contract, resulting in longer downtimes
Technology
when there are issues with the City’s computers, which would affect
Consultant Service
staff’s productivity; with fewer 129 employees, the impact of this
Contract
change may be offset somewhat by naturally reduced demand for IT
services
Total Proposed Reduction $ 354,420
Departmental Detail of Potential UUT Repeal Impacts
October 6, 2015
Page 12 of 18
Department: Recreation and
Community Services
FY 2015-16 Approved Operating Budget: $2,950,500
12.5% Reduction $ 368,813
Synopsis
: The Recreation and Community Services Department would have to cut 19
programs and close Wilderness Park for 26 hours per week for half of the year.
Consequently, close to 57,750 citizens who benefit from or participate in these
programs would be impacted, approximately 19,200 work hours would be cut from
hourly Recreation Leaders and Specialists, and two positions (Recreation Coordinator
and Senior Citizen Project Specialist) would be affected (one position eliminated one
position cut 50%). With the loss of programs, there would be an estimated revenue loss
of $41,970.
Item Description Savings Impact
1 Elementary School $108,020 ELIMINATE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PROGRAM: This program
Year Playground serves 33,000 elementary school aged children throughout the school
Program year. The program operates Monday through Friday from 2:30-
4:30pm at Hugo Reid, Baldwin Stocker, Highland Oaks, Holly Avenue,
Camino Grove, and Longley Way Elementary Schools.
Recreation Specialist—1,048 Less Hours
8 Leader II’s—456 Less Hours Each
12 Leader I’s—576 Less Hours Each
$4,180 Loss in revenue
2 Elementary Summer $31,800 ELIMINATE ELEMENTARY SUMMER PLAYGROUND PROGRAM:
Playground Program This program serves 4,300 elementary school aged children over the
summer. The program operates Monday through Friday from 9:30am
to 3:30pm at Highland Oaks and Baldwin Stocker Elementary
Schools.
Recreation Specialist—360 Less Hours
3 Leader II’s—310 Less Hours Each
2 Leader I’s—310 Less Hours Each
$2,400 Loss in revenue
3 Teen Summer Zone $14,500 ELIMINATE TEEN SUMMER ZONE: This program is offered at a
school site during the summer on Monday through Fridays from
9:30am to 3:30pm. The program serves 2,500 middle school aged
children over the summer. This program is free.
1 Recreation Specialist—150 Less Hours
4 Recreation Leader II’s—210 Less Hours Each
$400 Loss in revenue
Departmental Detail of Potential UUT Repeal Impacts
October 6, 2015
Page 13 of 18
4 Middle School $46,900 ELIMINATE INTRAMURAL LEAGUES: 400 Middle School aged
Intramural Leagues children participate in volleyball, basketball, football, and cheerleading
leagues at their schools and compete against other schools and
teams from the San Gabriel Valley.
Recreation Specialist—1072 Less Hours
3 Leader II’s—126 Less Hours Each
3 Leader I’s—126 Less Hours Each
$15,200 Loss in revenue
5 Teen Library Re-$8,300 ELIMINATE LIBRARY RE-ZONE PROGRAM: This program operates
Zone Program at the library Monday through Thursday from 2:30 to 4:30pm during
the school year. 2,810 children were served last year.
1 Leader II—310 Less Hours
1 Leader I—310 Less Hours
$900 Loss in revenue
6 Winter Snow Festival $24,700 ELIMINATE SNOW FESTIVAL: Each year approximately 3,000
people gather to join in the holiday spirit to participate in various
activities including snow play areas, sled runs, holiday crafts, train
rides and entertainment from Carole Singers, magicians and balloon
artists.
2 Recreation Specialist—10 Less Hours Each
20 Leader I’s—10 Less Hours Each
7 Teen Programs $5,700 ELIMINATE TEEN PROGRAMS: Teen nights are held at the Dana
Gym each month for teens who attend middle school in Arcadia. This
program gives teens the opportunity to mix and mingle with teens from
other schools. 50 teens participate each month
2 Leader II’s—66 Less Hours Each
3 Leader I’s—66 Less Hours Each
$1,300 Loss in revenue
8 Volunteen Program $3,000 ELIMINATE VOLUNTEEN PROGRAM: 250 Teens participate in job
training in the Recreation Department. Each teen is interviewed and
screened. Teens help out in special events, summer and school year
programs to supervise younger children. This program also helps
teens complete the volunteer requirement for school. Staff costs are
absorbed in other programs.
9 All City Track Meet $9,200 ELIMINATE ALL CITY TRACK MEET: 700 Elementary and Middle
School aged children from Arcadia compete in various track and field
events. Qualifiers from this meet go on to compete in the San Gabriel
Valley Regional Track Meet and Southern California Meet.
20 Leader I’s—20 Less Hours Each
4 Leader II’s—14 Less Hours Each
$850 Loss in revenue
10 Movies in the Park $4,700 ELIMINATE MOVIES IN THE PARK: This is a new program offered in
partnership with CHOICESS. The program runs seven consecutive
weeks over the summer. Attendance is approximately 500 people per
event, 3,500 people total
4 Leader II’s—42 Less Hours Each
Departmental Detail of Potential UUT Repeal Impacts
October 6, 2015
Page 14 of 18
11 Concerts in the Park $25,100 ELIMINATE CONCERTS IN THE PARK: This program is offered over
the summer for seven consecutive weeks. Each concert averages
approximately 850 people, serving 6,000 people over the summer
5 Leader II’s—37 Less Hours Each
2 Leader I’s—37 Less Hours Each
12 Family & Adult $14,800 ELIMINATE FAMILY & ADULT EXCURSIONS: This program provides
Excursions trips to the Hollywood Bowl, Pageant of the Masters, and 3 hikes to
locations around the Los Angeles area.
Serves 300 people annually
2 Leader II’s—50 Less Hours Each
$9,540 Loss in revenue
13 Full Time Recreation $67,552 LOSS OF THE DANA GYM COORDINATOR: This position
Coordinator Position supervises the Recreation Specialist positions, various special events,
and programs at the Dana Gym.
14 Senior EXPO $1,300 ELIMINATE SENIOR EXPO: This event brings many resources
available for seniors together at one time. Serves 100 Senior Citizens.
$500 Loss in revenue
15 Senior Day Camp $2,150 ELIMINATE SENIOR DAY CAMP: This annual event serves 60 senior
citizens. Each year a different theme is identified and seniors get out
of the Community Center for the day and are transported up to
Wilderness Park.
$1,200 Loss in revenue
16 Senior 4 th of July $2,500 ELIMINATE SENIOR 4 th OF JULY EVENT: 125 Senior citizens
Event celebrate a patriotic themed event at the Community Center.
$1,250 Loss in revenue
17 Senior Bingo and $4,200 ELIMINATE BINGO AND LUNCH: 250 Senior citizens participate in a
Lunch catered lunch and a variety of bingo games at the Community Center.
This program is offered two times a year.
$2,500 Loss in revenue
18 All That Swing $3,000 ELIMINATE SENIOR DANCE: 175 Senior citizens participate in an
event geared towards music and dancing
$1,750 Loss in revenue
19 Senior Volunteer $2,900 ELIMINATE SENIOR VOLUNTEER HOLIDAY LUNCHEON: This
Holiday Luncheon event honors the 125 Senior Citizens who volunteer in the
Department.
20 Senior Citizen Project $19,988 REDUCED SENIOR PROGRAMMING AND REFERRALS: This
Specialist position is currently a part time benefited position working 20 hours
per week. This cut would reduce this position 50%, down to 10 hours
per week. This position supervises senior citizen special events and
programs.
Departmental Detail of Potential UUT Repeal Impacts
October 6, 2015
Page 15 of 18
21 Wilderness Park $10,600 PARK HOURS REDUCED: Wilderness Park is open from May-
September from 8:30am-7pm and from October through April from
8:30am-4:30pm. Weekends are used by reservations only. The park
would be closed 26 weeks for 26 hours per week.
Leader II’s—676 Less Hours
Total Proposed Reduction $410,910
Departmental Detail of Potential UUT Repeal Impacts
October 6, 2015
Page 16 of 18
Department: City Manager
(incl. City Attorney, City Clerk, and
City Council)
FY 2015-16 Approved Operating Budget: $1,992,200
12.5% Reduction $ 249,025
Synopsis
: Two positions would be eliminated (Deputy City Clerk, Executive Assistant to
the City Council/City Manager). The daily operations of the City Clerk’s Office and the
City Manager’s Office would be significantly impacted, resulting in delays and loss of
programs.
Item Description Savings Impact
1 Eliminate Deputy $87,993 REDUCED CUSTOMER SERVICE AND REDUCED
City Clerk Position
TRANSPARENCY: Delays in responding to customer requests for
records, meeting legal requirements, processing time sensitive
records, processing ordinances and resolutions, the distribution of City
Council meeting agendas, and processing public notices; calls may be
forwarded to voicemail.
2 Eliminate Executive $104,654 REDUCED CUSTOMER SERVICE AND DIMINISHED COMMUNITY
Assistant Position
EVENTS: Duties of the eliminated position will be transferred to the
remaining Executive Assistant. Elimination of the position will result in
reduced support to the City Council, City Manager, and department
staff; and no support for the Arcadia Beautiful and Holiday Decoration
Award programs, the Mayor’s Community Breakfast, and the
Volunteer Recognition Program. Responses to residents and City
officials will be slower, and the turnaround time for completion of
projects longer.
3 Convert The City $42,000 ELIMINATION OF PRINTED NEWSLETTER: The City Newsletter is
Newsletter From A
delivered to every postal customer in the City, without a resident or
Printed To
business owner having to do anything to receive the latest issue.
Electronic Format
Moving to an electronic format only will significantly reduce the
distribution and readership of the Newsletter, and therefore lower the
effectiveness of the overall communications program.
4 City Brochures $15,500 REDUCED COMMUNICATION AND PUBLIC INFORMATION:
Assorted brochures providing pertinent information about City Hall
programs and events to residents, businesses, and general public will
no longer be produced.
Total Proposed Reduction $250,147
Departmental Detail of Potential UUT Repeal Impacts
October 6, 2015
Page 17 of 18
Department: General City &
Special Programs
FY 2015-16 Approved Operating Budget: $ 1,314,800
12.5% Reduction $ 164,350
Synopsis
: Under this proposal, numerous programs would be eliminated that would
impact both Arcadia residents and City employees. Two of the City’s commissions –
Arcadia Beautiful Commission and Senior Citizens Commission – would be dissolved
and their represented interests would cease. The Silver Circle Commissioners and
Volunteers Recognition Program would be discontinued. Graffiti control efforts will be
reduced. Several City employee benefits, such as professional memberships and
teambuilding event opportunities, would be affected.
Item Description Savings Impact
1 Membership and $31,070 LESS REGIONAL COOPERATION: Discontinue memberships to the
Publications
Independent Cities Association, San Gabriel Valley Council of
Governments, League of California Cities, and Southern California
Association of Governments. Without Arcadia as a member of these
organizations, the City’s interest would not be represented in regional
planning and fiscal policy issues.
2 Employee Support $28,000 REDUCED EMPLOYEE MORALE: Elimination of activities relating to
promoting employee morale. Some of these activities include:
employee summer picnic, Halloween costume contest and employee
holiday dinner.
3 Volunteer $30,000 ELIMINATE RECOGNITION OF VOLUNTEERS: The Silver Circle
Recognition
Volunteer Recognition Dinner would be removed, which thanks
Program
citizens for significant contributions to the community throughout the
year
4 Arcadia Beautiful $5,000 ELIMINATE HOME RECOGNITION: Dissolve the Arcadia Beautiful
Commission
Commission and their activities to encourage beautification of homes
and businesses Citywide. Programs include the Holiday Decorating
Contest, the Spring Home Awards, and Arbor Day celebration.
Elimination of Arbor Day would result in the loss of Tree City USA
status.
5 Senior Citizens $3,000 REDUCED INPUT FROM SENIORS: This would dissolve the Senior
Commission
Citizens Commission and their activities to encourage and provide
feedback on programs that are beneficial for the Seniors and the City.
6 Graffiti Control $10,000 INCREASED GRAFFITI: Reduction of the graffiti control budget would
result in delayed response time to eliminate graffiti and a potential
increase in overall graffiti due to its extended visibility period.
Departmental Detail of Potential UUT Repeal Impacts
October 6, 2015
Page 18 of 18
7 Animal Control $32,000 DECREASED ANIMAL SERVICES: Reduction of 42% of the Animal
Control contract with the Pasadena Humane Society. The contract
with the Humane Society would need to be modified to reflect the
reduced services; most likely Police Officers would be tasked with
primary response to animal control calls during certain periods. There
may also be a reduction in revenues received from pet licenses due to
the loss in proactive enforcement by the Humane Society.
Total Proposed Reduction $139,070